What a weekend, y’all! I decided about a week before coming to Spain that I wanted to go somewhere during the second weekend of my program, as I would have no classes or obligations between 2:10 PM on Friday and 5:45 PM on Monday. Having traveled in Spain for the past two summers, I knew that it would be best to go somewhere semi-close to Segovia, as to maximize the free time that I had. Who wants to be stuck in a train or bus the whole weekend?! Not this girl! I chose to visit Burgos, as it is only a 1 hour & 50 minute train ride away from Segovia, and it boasts one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe (and the world, in my opinion!). As far as its size goes, it’s a bit bigger than Segovia but not nearly the size of Madrid or even Valencia--perfect!
On Saturday morning at 8:30 AM, I was on my way to beautiful Burgos. There’s something special about riding in a train, watching the beautiful Castilla y León landscape pass by in the window. I can’t quite put my finger on what that special something is. I feel like I’m on a grand adventure every time I go somewhere new in Spain, no matter how near or how far. What’s more, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment because I bought my train ticket by communicating in Spanish and navigating the rather complicated timetables; I figured out the directions to the train station; I called the taxi to take me to my hotel; I booked my hotel on my own; I made my tentative itinerary of things to do; etc. You get the picture. Traveling in Spain forces me to use the language skills I have acquired up to this point, and I’m darn proud of how far I’ve come.
Enough about getting to Burgos! Let’s talk about what it was like to actually be in that gem of a city. First, I checked into the lovely Hotel Mesón del Cid. If you ever go to Burgos, DEFINITELY stay at that hotel! The receptionist is so very kind and accommodating. The rooms are spotless, and the hotel is located just steps away from the incredible cathedral. Free WiFi, a ginormous shower, air conditioning, and satellite TV are some of the bonuses you get, all for a fantastic price!
On Saturday morning at 8:30 AM, I was on my way to beautiful Burgos. There’s something special about riding in a train, watching the beautiful Castilla y León landscape pass by in the window. I can’t quite put my finger on what that special something is. I feel like I’m on a grand adventure every time I go somewhere new in Spain, no matter how near or how far. What’s more, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment because I bought my train ticket by communicating in Spanish and navigating the rather complicated timetables; I figured out the directions to the train station; I called the taxi to take me to my hotel; I booked my hotel on my own; I made my tentative itinerary of things to do; etc. You get the picture. Traveling in Spain forces me to use the language skills I have acquired up to this point, and I’m darn proud of how far I’ve come.
Enough about getting to Burgos! Let’s talk about what it was like to actually be in that gem of a city. First, I checked into the lovely Hotel Mesón del Cid. If you ever go to Burgos, DEFINITELY stay at that hotel! The receptionist is so very kind and accommodating. The rooms are spotless, and the hotel is located just steps away from the incredible cathedral. Free WiFi, a ginormous shower, air conditioning, and satellite TV are some of the bonuses you get, all for a fantastic price!
After getting settled in my room, I set out to grab a bite to eat and explore! For lunch, I went to 100 Montaditos on the main shopping street. Yes, it’s a chain restaurant, but the prices are unbeatable, and the food is quite tasty!
From there, I went to buy tickets for the tourist choo choo train. I had read great reviews of the “Castillo + Monumental” ride, which allows you to see all of the main sites in and around Burgos, including a trip up to an old fortress above the city for a panoramic view of pretty little Burgos. I befriended a group of crazy old ladies who brought what was basically a feast onto the train. I helped them figure out how to use their “fancy” digital cameras, and as a thank you, they gave me some of their bread and jamón ibérica (Iberian ham). Such a sweet sentiment, no? The hour-long trip was definitely worth the 8 euros.
From there, I went to buy tickets for the tourist choo choo train. I had read great reviews of the “Castillo + Monumental” ride, which allows you to see all of the main sites in and around Burgos, including a trip up to an old fortress above the city for a panoramic view of pretty little Burgos. I befriended a group of crazy old ladies who brought what was basically a feast onto the train. I helped them figure out how to use their “fancy” digital cameras, and as a thank you, they gave me some of their bread and jamón ibérica (Iberian ham). Such a sweet sentiment, no? The hour-long trip was definitely worth the 8 euros.
When we returned to the center of the city, I proceeded to explore what I had been waiting weeks to see—the Burgos Cathedral!
(Note to prospective study abroad students: BRING YOU STUDENT ID CARD! Students often get big discounts on entries to museums, cathedrals, movies, etc. I’ve probably saved a good 30 euros already by having my student ID with me.)
My jaw dropped as soon as I stepped inside the building. The ceilings were so high that I had to bend my head all the way back AND lean back to see the very top! I won’t give y’all a history lesson on the cathedral, but here are a few fun facts that I learned about the Burgos Cathedral via my audio guide:
(Note to prospective study abroad students: BRING YOU STUDENT ID CARD! Students often get big discounts on entries to museums, cathedrals, movies, etc. I’ve probably saved a good 30 euros already by having my student ID with me.)
My jaw dropped as soon as I stepped inside the building. The ceilings were so high that I had to bend my head all the way back AND lean back to see the very top! I won’t give y’all a history lesson on the cathedral, but here are a few fun facts that I learned about the Burgos Cathedral via my audio guide:
- Construction on the Cathedral began in 1221 and was completed in 1567.
- The Cathedral is a striking summary of the evolution of Gothic architecture.
- The plan of the cathedral is based on a Latin cross of pleasing proportions.
- The three-story elevation, the vaulting, and the tracery of the windows are closely related to contemporary models of the north of France.
- Among the most famous architects who helped design this cathedral were Juan de Colonia, soon relieved by his son Simon and Felipe de Borgoña, assisted by numerous collaborators.
- Renaissance works were added in the 15th & 16th centuries.
- The cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in 1984. It is the only Spanish cathedral that has this distinction independently, without being joined to the historic center of a city (as in Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Ávila, Córdoba, Toledo, etc.) or in union with other buildings, as in Sevilla.
After the cathedral, I went to try a tapa at one of the highest rated tapas bars in Burgos—Bar Pancho. It didn’t disappoint! I had the patatas bravas that I’ve EVER eaten! They’re basically homefries with a peppery sauce over them. Simple, but delicious! The sangria was fantastic, too! Note all of the napkins on the floor! That’s actually a really popular Spanish custom in tapas bars. Tapas bars that have awesome food are usually packed with locals, forcing customers to stand along the bar and the walls to eat their tapas. When finished, you throw your napkin on the floor. They say that the more napkins on the floor, the better the tapas are, since lots of people would have eaten them. Cool, huh? Clearly Bar Pancho has some awesome tapas!
Post tapas, I decided to explore more on foot. I checked out the brightly colored Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Santa María, Calle Mayor (Main Street), some of the pretty pedestrian walkways along the Arlanzón River, and a couple of other churches. Pictures say more than words, so here you go:
I was quite a tired girl after all that, so I took a “little” (errr… two hour) siesta in my room. Haha. It was heavenly! Once I woke up and refreshed a bit, I set out to the most famous and traditional tapas bar in Burgos (and all of Castilla y León). It wasn’t surprising that the restaurant was packed with locals, a very good sign of just how good the food was! Shuffling through napkins pilled up on the floor and making my way through the maze of people, I somehow found a spot at the bar to sit. It was SUCH a perfect spot, as I got to watch all of the food being prepared. I ordered sangria and a revuelto de championes y queso. Basically, it was scrambled eggs, four types of cheeses, and the most delicious mushrooms I’ve ever tasted. I’m not big on eggs, but this meal was DELICIOUS! Lastly, I got a baby tapa of French fries with ali oli on top. SO good! I give five stars to Cervecería Mortio for incredible service, delicious drinks, and the best Spanish food I have ever eaten!
For dessert, I wanted to try the very highly rated Chocolatería Candalejas, but unfortunately the owner had closed it for July while on vacation. After a quick Google search, I decided to try Chocolatería Valor right by the Tourist Office. I had been to the store in Barcelona a couple of years ago, so I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. I ordered chocolate con churros and ate them while sitting on the terrazza, enjoying the cool evening weather.
It was already almost 11:00 PM, so I decided to turn in for the night. I got such a good night’s sleep! I left Burgos via train at 12:00 PM the next day and got back “home” at about 2:00 PM. I told my señora all about my trip during lunch and got settled back in Segovia. I plan on just relaxing for the rest of today (Sunday) and working on my projects/homework/studying tomorrow before the evening classes. This girl needs some R&R!
Thanks so much for reading this extremely long post and continuing to follow my adventures here in Segovia! Your support means so very much to me!
Un abrazo,
Kelly
Thanks so much for reading this extremely long post and continuing to follow my adventures here in Segovia! Your support means so very much to me!
Un abrazo,
Kelly